Spindle Galaxy
spiral galaxy · Draco · 9.9ᵐ
The Spindle Galaxy, seen exactly edge-on: a flat disc sliced by a needle-thin dust lane. Its identity was long disputed — Messier’s notes fit two different galaxies.
Notable facts
About 1/6 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Spindle Galaxy in?
Spindle Galaxy lies in Draco.
Is Spindle Galaxy visible to the naked eye?
9.9ᵐ — a telescope is needed.
When is the best time to observe Spindle Galaxy?
Best observed in May.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 15h 06m · +55° 46′
- Type
- spiral galaxy
- Constellation
- Draco
- How to observe
- 9.9ᵐ — a telescope is needed
- Angular size
- 5×2′
- Designation
- M102 · NGC 5866 · Spindle
Observing tip
Get away from city light pollution — it washes out the faint glow of galaxies first.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 86° · never sets | — |
| +55° | 89° · never sets | — |
| +45° | 79° · never sets | — |
| +30° | 64° | 17° |
| 0° | 34° | 34° |
| −35° | never rises | — |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 07:21 |
| February | 05:14 |
| March | 03:28 |
| April | 01:35 |
| May | 23:41 |
| June | 21:35 |
| July | 19:31 |
| August | 17:30 |
| September | 15:37 |
| October | 13:48 |
| November | 11:47 |
| December | 09:39 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.